The South Bangkok Civil Court on Monday dismissed a 16-million-baht compensation suit filed by the New Democracy Movement (NDM) activist group against the Royal Thai Police, army and PM's Office for breaking up one of their gatherings.
Thirteen NDM members filed the case demanding 16.4 million baht in compensation for the dispersal of their first anniversary commemoration of the 2014 military coup outside the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre on May 22, 2015.
They claimed authorities used force to end what was a peaceful gathering and that they were arrested and detained at Pathumwan police station for 10 hours without charge.
Although the court said the demonstration was peaceful and weapons-free, it ruled the authorities did their job legally in accordance with an order by the National Council for Peace and Order which prohibited political activities.
It also ruled that officers did not violate the rights of the NDM members and allowed them to keep their phones and permitted visitors to freely contact those detained at the police station.
NDM member Rangsiman Rome said the group would appeal.
The NDM group became known from many political activities including its "vote no" referendum campaign against the charter drafted by a coup-installed panel led by Meechai Ruchupan.
Meanwhile, the government has no plans to lift the ban on political activities, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon said Monday.
Gen Prawit made the statement in response to news that two political parties -- the Pheu Thai Party and the Democrat Party -- have asked the government to remove the ban as soon as the organic law on political parties takes effect.
Although the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) had previously stated that the ban could be lifted by Wednesday, Gen Prawit said the junta has not yet had the time to hold a meeting to discuss the issue, after the heavy task of organising last week's royal funeral.
Just a day after the end of the historic royal cremation ceremonies, political matters made a quick return. The government and Gen Prawit himself were bombarded by questions on various issues, among them rumours of a cabinet reshuffle and the ban on political activities.
Gen Prawit said he was not aware of talks of any cabinet reshuffle, asking the media to instead ask Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha about it.
Wallop Tungkananurak, a member of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), said he thought it was about time the government relaxed the ban on political gatherings.
Since Gen Prayut announced the plan for the roadmap to the next general election expected in November next year, the parties have been looking forward to the ban being relaxed so that they can resume political activities, he said.
Senator Wallop said political parties should be given enough time to manage and proceed with their political activities. He said the ban should be lifted no later than early next year so that the lengthy procedure required by the new organic law on political parties can be followed.
He also urged that the last organic bill be submitted to the NLA no later than Nov 28, under a clear time frame specified for the NLA to pass all organic laws of the charter required before the new election can be held.
In response to accusations that some NLA members were attempting to derail the organic bills, Mr Wallop said he could assure that no one at the NLA has ever thought of doing such a thing.
The NLA has been under close scrutiny by the public, especially its deliberation of certain controversial draft laws advised by the government, said Mr Wallop. He said the NLA is aware any foot-dragging might lead to public frustration which may trigger mass protests against the regime.
